WordPress powers over 40% of the web, making it one of the most widely used content management systems (CMS) globally. But with great popularity comes great responsibility. One of the most overlooked yet critical responsibilities of website owners is keeping WordPress updated including the core system, plugins, themes, and translations.

In this article, we’ll explore why regular WordPress updates are essential and how you can safely perform these updates without risking your website’s stability or performance.

Why WordPress Needs Regular Updates

1. Security Fixes

Security is the number one reason why WordPress updates are necessary. As open-source software, WordPress is constantly being analyzed by both developers and malicious actors. When vulnerabilities are discovered, the WordPress team and plugin developers release patches to fix them.

If you don’t update, you leave your site exposed to known threats. Hackers often exploit outdated versions of WordPress or plugins to inject malware, redirect visitors, or even take control of the site.

Example: The popular “Slider Revolution” plugin had a vulnerability years ago that was widely exploited. Sites running outdated versions became easy targets.

2. Bug Fixes

Even the best code has bugs. WordPress core and its plugins undergo frequent updates to fix unexpected behaviors, compatibility issues, and glitches. Regular updates help ensure your website runs smoothly and without unexpected errors.

Skipping updates may result in broken layouts, forms that don’t submit properly, or missing functionality.

3. Performance Improvements

WordPress developers often optimize the code in new releases to make the platform faster and more efficient. Updated versions can load faster, reduce server resource usage, and improve the visitor experience.

Every millisecond counts when it comes to page load speed. Regular updates contribute to performance gains.

4. New Features and Better Compatibility

Updates often bring new tools, modern UI elements, and improved integrations with plugins and themes. Without updates, you might miss out on valuable enhancements that simplify content management or improve the user experience.

For example, the Gutenberg block editor has seen major improvements over time. Older versions lack the flexibility and ease of use of the newer ones.

5. Maintaining Compatibility with Plugins and Themes

When plugin or theme developers update their products to match the latest WordPress standards, older versions may stop working properly. Updating WordPress ensures your plugins and themes stay compatible and functional.

How to Update WordPress Safely

Updating WordPress blindly can sometimes break your site especially if you’re using custom themes or complex plugins. That’s why safe updating practices are crucial.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely update WordPress:

Step 1: Backup Your Website

Before updating anything, create a full backup of your site, including the database and files. This ensures you can restore your website if anything goes wrong during the update.

• Use backup plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackWPup.

• Some hosting control panels offer one-click backups from cPanel or other interfaces.

Tip: Store backups on remote storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox), not just on the same hosting account.

Step 2: Update in the Right Order

The safest update order is:

1. Plugins

2. Themes

3. WordPress Core

This helps avoid compatibility issues, as plugins and themes are usually updated first to support the latest core version.

Never update everything at once without testing.

Step 3: Check Compatibility and Changelog

Before updating plugins or themes, review their changelog and compatibility notes. Make sure:

• The plugin supports your current WordPress version.

• There are no breaking changes listed.

Developers usually include changelogs and update notes under the plugin’s page in the dashboard.

Step 4: Use a Staging Environment (If Available)

If your hosting provider offers a staging environment, use it to test updates before applying them to the live site.

• A staging site is a clone of your live website where you can safely test changes.

• If everything works fine on staging, then proceed to update your live website.

Step 5: Update and Test

Perform the updates:

• Go to Dashboard > Updates

• Select the items you want to update

• Update one at a time if possible

Once done, check:

• Frontend display

• Contact forms and login pages

• WooCommerce checkout (if applicable)

• Any custom features or shortcodes

Test thoroughly to catch any layout breaks, errors, or conflicts early.

Step 6: Clear Caches

After updates, clear your site cache to avoid display of outdated content.

• If using a caching plugin like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache, clear it manually.

• Also clear your browser cache for accurate testing.

Step 7: Keep Auto-Updates Under Control

WordPress now allows auto-updates for plugins and themes. While convenient, this can sometimes cause issues if a bad update rolls out.

You can:

• Enable auto-updates for low-risk, well-maintained plugins

• Disable them for sensitive plugins like WooCommerce, security plugins, or custom ones

Use tools like Easy Updates Manager to gain more control over auto-updates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Updating live sites during peak traffic hours

• Ignoring backups

• Running outdated PHP versions

• Forgetting to test contact forms or checkout pages after an update

• Using nulled or unofficial plugins/themes that break during updates

Final Thoughts

Keeping your WordPress site up to date isn’t optional it’s a vital part of managing a healthy, secure, and efficient website. While updates can sometimes feel risky, taking a structured, cautious approach ensures you stay protected without causing disruptions.

If you’re unsure about handling updates yourself, speak with your hosting provider they may offer assistance or even managed update services. But whether you do it manually or with help, don’t delay your updates. The longer you wait, the more you expose your site to unnecessary risk.